THE 20-year-old was the match winner for the Dogs as he booted five straight goals, including three in the final term to upset the reigning premiers by 10 points.
(Rob Prezioso/AAP PHOTOS)
JAMARRA Ugle-Hagan had a night to remember in Western Bulldogs’ win over Melbourne Demons by just 10 points at the final siren, the 20-year-old booting five straight goals including the sealer of the game.
The South Warrnambool product has found it a slower process to adapt to AFL level as a tall forward compared to some of this year’s top draft picks in Jason Horne-Francis and Nick Daicos.
Going as pick number one in the 2020 AFL national draft meant the youngster was the first Bulldogs number one pick since Adam Cooney in 2003 and first indigenous player to be selected first since Des Headland in 1998.
After coming into a side that was absolutely flying, Ugle-Hagan found it tough to break into the AFL side and questions were raised after the prized pick waited 17 rounds to be presented the opportunity to debut for the Dogs.
The 197cm forward played five consecutive games and showed a bit despite being held goalless in his debut, he responded well the following week against Gold Coast with three and kicked at least a single major in the rest of his games getting between five and nine disposals in each of the five games.
He was then dropped for finals as Western Bulldogs almost went all the way to taste the ultimate glory meeting Melbourne in the big dance, however the side was obliterated in the second half to lose by 74 points.
It was the Dees who prevailed in the grand final rematch on the Wednesday night to start the 2022 AFL season but thanks to. 5.0 from the exciting prospect, it was Bulldogs taking home the points in the round 19 clash.
At the final break, Ugle-Hagan had kicked two goals but just had three touches and had struggled to find the footy but was as good as any player on the ground in the final term.
Three goals and seven disposals along with four marks all in the last quarter, the 20-year-old stood up to the hype and expectation that has been placed on him thus far in his career.
Comparisons to Lance “Buddy” Franklin's left boot were justified when he went bang from beyond the arc with a signature kick to put a mammoth drop punt through the big sticks and ice the game.
Another thing that would’ve delighted fans all around was the accuracy at which he was kicking, five goals without any blemishes to his name, he took his chances and presented hard.
When he needed to convert on a set shot in the final quarter, his kick was always as straight as an arrow and never in doubt.
Now he has accumulated eight majors without any misses in the final two weeks and 15 for the season at an average of 1.3 per game.
Ugle-Hagan looks to have found his feet at the level now and will be a dangerous match up for opponents with his agility and leaping ability.
With some more confidence under his belt, you can expect the number one draft pick to deliver more game-winning performances such as this one.
Definitely one to watch!